Campaigners are now linking up with The Tree Council's Tree Warden Scheme

Share

Get daily updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

Members of a veteran tree association in Wokingham branched out last week to celebrate the 5,000th local tree recorded in its ever-growing database.

Members of the Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association (WDVTA) marked the occasion by gathering around the 350-year-old English oak, which stands proudly within the grounds of Bearwood Recreational Ground in Mole Road, on Friday, September 30.

The WDVTA was launched in 2007 with the purpose of ensuring veteran trees around the borough are properly identified, protected and managed, as well as aiming to increase public awareness about their existence and importance.

However, last year members of the group decided to grow its roots and show regard to all trees across Wokingham, not just veterans, and as a result is now preparing to associate itself with The Tree Council’s Tree Warden scheme, which supports local volunteers in protecting trees.

A breakdown of the WDVTA database reveals trees so far recorded include 1,158 oak, 277 ash, 161 sweet chestnut and 124 lime trees.

Kerry Clissold, group secretary, praised members and WDTVA founders Barbara and Ray Stagles for helping get the group to where it is today.

She said: “This is a really nice achievement for them in particular, as they set the association up, but also for the association, as being able to record 5,000 tress in little over four years is some achievement and is a real recognition of the hard work of everyone connected to the group.”

Each parish in the borough has its own WDVTA appointed co-ordinator, who is responsible for managing survey activities and supporting volunteers.

Members are tasked with measuring the tree, taking photographs and noting its grid reference and estimating its age.

Mrs Clissold said: “All information is given to The Woodland Trust, who are very appreciative of our work.

“It is still remarkable to think we have managed to record 5,000 trees in little over four years – considering we had quite a slow start.”